“You have nothing to apologize for.” Coming across the room to the butler’s bedside, Henry settled one hand on the man’s shoulder and smiled. “Rest. This was not of your doing, and I hold nothing against you.”
The butler could barely find the strength to open his eyes.
“Thank you, my Lord.”
“Rest now.” Lifting his hand, Henry stepped back. “I do not hold you in the least responsible,” he said again, as the butler’s chest rose and fell, his eyes closing again. Watching the man drift into sleep, Henry sighed heavily and let his shoulders slump and his head drop forward. Whoever had done this had caused the butler a great injury, and Henry found himself growing angry at the sheer inconsideration that had been shown to the butler. Whoever had come into Henry’s home had come intending to injure whoever stood in the way of whatever it was that they wished to get – and they had done precisely that.
I wish I had been at home so that I might have dealt with this perpetrator face to face.
“Cousin!”
Henry lifted his head, surprised to see none other than Mr. Brackwell hurrying down the servants’ staircase.
“Brackwell. Whatever are you doing here?”
“I was coming to take my leave of you, but I came upon such a dreadful scene, I felt obliged to come and find you to make certain that all was well.”
“All isnotwell.” Henry shook his head again and then gestured for his cousin to climb back up the staircase. “Come. Did you say that you are taking your leave?”
“I am.” Silence fell for a few minutes as they climbed the staircase back to the main part of the house. “My business is concluded and thus, I feel that it is time for me to return home.”
“But what–”
Henry winced, only for his cousin to let out a wry laugh.
“What of Miss Bosworth? My dear cousin, I was to walk with her, was I not? But I realized shortly thereafter that the lady is only eager foryourcompany and yours alone.”
Henry pressed his lips tightly together to stop himself from smiling broadly.
“I am sorry.”
“There is no need to be!” With a smile, Mr. Brackwell set one hand on Henry’s shoulder. “I am glad for you and, given that I have made a good few acquaintances here in London – acquaintances who will be of benefit to me, given their expertise and knowledge in certain areas – I return home with a smile on my face and gladness in my heart.”
“And the assurance, I hope, that you will soon find the right young lady to marry.” With a chuckle, Henry rolled his eyes. “There is always Lady Judith, I suppose! She is both familyandunattached!”
Much to Henry’s surprise, his cousin did not smile at this. Instead, his brows dropped low over his eyes, and he tilted his head.
“Lady Judith?” he repeated, as Henry nodded, confused now as to why his cousin seemed so uncertain. “I do not think… no, that cannot be so. She is not unattached, as you might think her.”
“Indeed?” With a laugh, Henry chased away his confusion. “Then I am glad. It means, mayhap, that she will not pursue me!”
Mr. Brackwell put one hand out, silencing Henry.
“You mean to say that you do not know that Lord Falconer and Lady Judith are attached? They are courting, I believe, although it is meant to be quite secret.”
Henry’s shoulders dropped, his smile fading.
“I beg your pardon?”
“You did not know?” Mr. Brackwell shrugged. “I do not like society gossip, and so I did not say anything but yes, they are courting, and she begged me to keep it a secret. She also barely acknowledged me which did frustrate me a great deal.” A frown tugged at Mr. Brackwell’s forehead. “It was not as though–”
“Wait a moment.” Confused, Henry rubbed hard at his forehead, his eyes squeezing tightly closed. “You mean to say that our second cousin, Lady Judith, is being courted by Lord Falconer? How long has this been going on?”
“I do not know.” Now it was Mr. Brackwell who looked confused. “Why do you ask? I did not think you had any feelings for the Lady!”
“I do not!” Henry exclaimed, quickly, dropping his hands. “It is all so very strange, for Lord Falconer teased me about the lady and then encouraged me towards her… only to then laugh when I realized that her character was not one which I would be drawn to. Why would he do such a thing if he was eager to court her? Why would he not tell me?”
Mr. Brackwell hesitated, then put out both hands.
